The Car Connection Expert Review

Likes

Dislikes

On-road handling

Uncomfortable rear seats

Bouncy ride

Doors or no doors, hardtop or soft, the 2009 Jeep Wrangler is unlike any other SUV.

TheCarConnection.com's editors have driven the new Jeep Wrangler in order to give you an expert opinion. And to bring you a comprehensive review that wraps up the best of what other reviewers had to say, TheCarConnection.com's SUV enthusiasts researched a wide range of reviews.

The Jeep Wrangler returns for 2009 with the same iconic features, removable doors and a fold-down windshield, that's made the vehicle famous, as well as the body-on-frame chassis and solid front and rear axles that established the Wrangler as one of the most capable SUVs.

With room for five adult passengers, the Wrangler Unlimited model remains the only four-door convertible SUV on the market. For 2009, 20.6 inches were added to the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited's wheelbase, stretching it to 116 inches and giving it the most cargo space ever offered in a Wrangler, as well more passenger room and comfort with a larger rear seat. Unlike the four-wheel-drive-only configuration of the standard Jeep Wrangler, the Unlimited is also available in two-wheel drive.

The Jeep Wrangler is two years old in its current form but retains all the classic lines of Jeep's past. The 3.8L V-6 engine produces 202 horsepower and comes with a choice of either manual or four-speed automatic transmissions. Fuel economy on rear-drive, manual-transmission models is as high as 16 mpg city, 21 highway, which is good for the Wrangler lineup but not particularly economical. The engine feels strong, but it still makes more noise than you might expect of a more traditional SUV.

The removable tops are one of Jeep's best features—though they allow lots of road noise in the cabin, they can completely open the cabin of both the two- and four-door models, turning a hardtop Jeep into a convertible SUV.

On the highway the Wrangler can be a jittery, bouncy ride with plenty of road noise and imprecise steering. Off-roading toughness of both Jeeps is assured by live axle front and rear suspensions, with 10.2 inches of ground clearance and the availability of a four-wheel-drive system with heavy-duty axles, locking differentials, Rock-Trac transfer case with extra-low gearing, electronically disconnecting stabilizer bar, and knobby BF Goodrich tires on Rubicon versions. Anti-lock brakes and stability control are now standard, with side impact airbags available optionally.

The 2009 Jeep Wrangler scores five-star ratings for front and side impact protection. Two-wheel-drive models have four-star rollover protection, while four-wheel drivers have a three-star rating. New safety features for all 2009 Jeep Wranglers include Hill Start Assist (HSA) to prevent rollback on a graded surfaces and Trailer Sway Control (TSC), which monitors vehicle movement relative to the intended path and activates the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) if the trailer begins to sway outside set parameters. Tire pressure monitors are now standard on both short- and long-wheelbase Wranglers, and remote start is a new option for 2009.

Air conditioning and cruise control are standard on most models, and Sirius Satellite Radio is an option, as are a navigation system and a music hard drive.

I love my Jeep the more I drive it!!!!

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while there is still much debate regarding the practicality of a jeep, the value and performance cannot be disputed for Jeep Wrangler. If you are looking for a luxury house on wheels with super technical...
while there is still much debate regarding the practicality of a jeep, the value and performance cannot be disputed for Jeep Wrangler. If you are looking for a luxury house on wheels with super technical gizmos and dashboard that resembles a spacecraft do not consider a jeep. But, if you are spontaneous, adventurous, practical and economically minded, and not afraid of a little bump and grind, and a whole lot of grit the the Jeep Wrangler is for you. There is a sense that there is no where you can't go when you own a Jeep Wrangler. The thought of i climate weather does not phase you while the warm perfect summer days can get you pretty pumped for the open air ride and down to earth fun the Jeep provides. There is an elite group that knows of the true experience of a Jeep, and there are those who are not. Take a ride, let your hair down, blast the radio, climb a mountain, go through swamps, feel the wind and sun. Buy a Jeep and you too will experience what that elite group does, and you will do so with money to spare. + More »

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May 31, 2015

For 2015 Jeep Wrangler

Not really worth the large price tag especially when it leaks!

Overall Rating

Interior/Exterior

Performance

Comfort and Quality

Safety

Features

Fuel Economy / MPG

Reliability

We purchased a brand New 2015 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport in Dec. 2014. It is now only May 31st and I am discussed and wish I had never saw the jeep! This was my dream vehicle and the very first brand new...
We purchased a brand New 2015 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport in Dec. 2014. It is now only May 31st and I am discussed and wish I had never saw the jeep! This was my dream vehicle and the very first brand new vehicle I ever bought and I am 40 years old. To be honest, I wish I had my 2007 Chevy Trailblazer I had that was paid for and had no serious issues EVER and it was purchased used!! This jeep has leaked from the drivers door since the beginning!! It has been back to the dealership three different times and the first time they told me yes, we did water test and it leaks but we don't know what to do because all of your seals look fine!! Second time to dealer, they kept a few days and thought they fixed it. Third time is the charm, right? WRONG, the service dept contacted Jeep about the issue and now it has black bandage material all over the T-tops because that was Jeeep's solution to temporarily fix it so that hopefully it would last until my warranty was out and then I would be really screwed with a huge payment and no solution to the leaks. This stuff looks just like bandage wrap that you purchase from Walmart and is already melting and its not even summer yet!! It has already ruined a pair of expensive dress pants because it melts of stains your clothing and it wont come out not to mention it is all over your hands ever time you attempt to take the T-tops out!! Also, I have went two different times to roll down the electric windows and they wouldn't roll down or do anything. Had to shut off ignition and sit and wait a few mins and then they worked so obviously the water has now affected the electrical in the unit and that will be another huge issue I will be forced to deal with!! The dealership has done everything they know to do and offered to trade with me losing about 6k!! So, I believe it is time to get an attorney involved because this is certainly not what I expected of my first new vehicle!!! We have owned a prior jeep or two but they were used and older models and had issues which you can expect but with a brand new one with no miles on it, I don't expect to have it back at the dealership all the time. The last time when Jeep assisted with repairs it was a nightmare because of the sticky tape they used and they kept it for two weeks. The dealership gave me a car to drive but the fact is when you purchase a new jeep you don't expect to have water pouring in every time it rains! Now when I come to a stop and it is raining it pours in through the center because they used all the sticky tape on the drivers side and its off centered now of course!!!! Very disappointed and very dissatisfied with my purchase and I hope no one else experiences this cause it has been a nightmare. Pretty bad when you wish you hadn't sold your older 2007 Chevy when you have 2015 Jeep but that is the honest truth not to mention the Chevy offered much more features that the jeep does... But I loved it and and I wanted it but didn't know it came with all of these issues!! I don't think I would ever purchase another Jeep especially not a brand new one!!! + More »